Disaster assistance has been made available for Tamworth and Upper Hunter communities that were affected by bushfires in early February 2019.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the assistance would help those affected get back on track.
“These fires destroyed more than 3500 hectares of land, threatening rural properties, public infrastructure and disrupting local communities,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Practical assistance is available to help with recovery, including to those whose homes or belongings were damaged, to local businesses, farmers and councils.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said a significant coordinated multi-agency and community response was required to bring the fires under control.
“The NSW Rural Fire Service deployed large numbers of firefighting personnel, appliances and aircraft to combat these bushfires over a number of days,” Minister Elliott said.
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“It doesn’t matter whether it’s one property damaged by bushfire or 100, the sense of loss for those involved is just as devastating which is why it’s vitally important we deliver this support for the people of Tamworth and the Upper Hunter,” Mr Joyce said
Assistance measures available under the DRFA may include:
- help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;
- support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
- concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;
- freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at emergency.nsw.gov.au.
Source: Australian Government